If your gums are dark or splotchy, you may feel shy about them. While they are not as noticeable as your teeth, the color of your gums can influence the overall appearance of your smile. Even if you have shiny, straight, white teeth, discolored gums can make you reluctant to smile and leave others with an impression that you are embarrassed about something. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat this problem and get rid of gingival pigmentation once and for all!
Proper Diagnosis Section: 2) Causes of Discolored Gums:
Our gums can become discolored for a number of reasons. We’ll discuss seven common causes below, and the best way to get the stains or discoloration removed.
1) Smoking – Smoking is one of the most common causes of gum depigmentation. If you have smoked for many years, your gums may have darkened as a result.
2) Grinding Your Teeth – Grinding your teeth can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away and make your teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. If this is occurring in conjunction with gum darkening, it could be an indication that you grind your teeth at night while sleeping.
Treatment Options:
If you’ve been told that dark gums are a result of gingival depigmentation, there are ways to get them back to their natural, healthy hue. The first thing you need to do is see your dentist for a complete examination and diagnosis. Your dentist will be able to tell you what caused the gum discoloration in the first place.
Once he knows what’s going on, your dentist can recommend treatment options for your specific condition. For example, if the gum discoloration was caused by an untreated dental cavity or periodontal disease, he may prescribe a special toothpaste or other products that contain fluoride and antibacterial agents to help eliminate plaque buildup and fight bacteria that cause gum disease.
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Potential Risks/Disadvantages:
The majority of the time, there is no risk of getting gingival depigmentation. However, there are some risks that can come with it. A possible side effect of gingival depigmentation is tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity will be more likely if you are using a bleaching agent that contains peroxide or if you have exposed your teeth to harsh chemicals, hot liquids, or too much sun exposure after your procedure. Another possible side effect is gum recession where the gum tissue may shrink and pull away from the teeth as a result of the treatment. This could lead to receding gums and an increased likelihood of infection in those areas.
Tooth Whitening vs. Bleaching:
It is important to understand the difference between tooth whitening and bleaching. While both treatments can lighten your teeth, only tooth whitening will reduce stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco. Bleaching will not remove these types of stains from your teeth. That’s why if you have dark gums, it is best to consult with a dentist who can help decide which treatment is best for you.
A Simple Procedure with Minimal Side Effects:
If your gums are dark or splotchy, you may feel shy about them. Even if you have shiny, straight, white teeth, gum discoloration can make you reluctant to smile. Gingival depigmentation is a simple procedure that addresses this issue. Gums are not just part of the smile – they protect the tooth and bone from bacteria and food particles. The procedure involves applying a laser to the base of the gingiva (gum tissue) in order to lighten it. Side effects vary depending on how many treatments are needed but usually include temporary pain/discomfort and minor bleeding after treatment. The good news is that these side effects subside with each treatment and usually disappear within one week of treatment completion.
